With less than 24 hours remaining for the IPL 2024 auction, all eyes are on the 333 players – 214 Indians and 119 overseas – set to go under the hammer for 77 available slots, including 30 for foreign talent. The total combined spend across the ten franchises is anticipated to exceed Rs 262 crore. Gujarat Titans, the IPL 2023 runners-up, lead the purse tally with a whopping Rs 38.15 crore.
Amidst the auction buzz, news about the IPL 2024 schedule emerged. Tentatively scheduled from March 22 to May end, the final dates await confirmation post the Election Commission’s decision on India’s general elections.
Excitement surrounding Australian players like Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc dominates the pre-auction chatter. Hazlewood, released by Royal Challengers Bangalore, may join IPL 2024 only in May due to his wife’s pregnancy, raising speculations about his auction demand.
Anticipating a big payday, Mitchell Starc remains a topic of discussion. However, former Indian skipper and coach Anil Kumble opines that breaching the Rs 20 crore mark might be a stretch for Starc. Kumble advocates for a third of the purse reserved for overseas players in a squad of 25, ensuring equitable distribution and minimizing auction disparities.
Former England captain, Eoin Morgan, forecasts a lucrative auction for Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur, attributing high interest due to his versatile skill set.
The auction fervor intensifies as franchises strategize to acquire the best talent while balancing overseas and local player quotas. As the countdown begins, speculation and anticipation envelop the cricketing fraternity, setting the stage for an enthralling IPL 2024 auction.
